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This medium-sized tree with the “alligator” bark is best known in the fall, when its orange, plumlike fruits come on. Be careful, however, to make sure a persimmon is ripe before you pop it into your mouth, or you could have a puckery surprise!

White mulberry, an Asian species, was introduced by early settlers, who cultivated it for its berries and as fodder for an attempted silkworm industry. Birds have helped spread the white mulberry so much that in many places it is more common than our native red mulberry.

“Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch” is an old song you might be familiar with—but today, surprisingly few Missourians know a pawpaw tree when they see one. This is a good tree to know, especially when the large, sweet fruit are ripening!

Red mulberry is native to Missouri and North America. You may be wondering how it differs from the introduced white mulberry tree, which is considered a noxious weed. You can begin to tell them apart by examining the leaves and the fruits.

This medium-sized tree with the “alligator” bark is best known in the fall, when its orange, plumlike fruits come on. Be careful, however, to make sure a persimmon is ripe before you pop it into your mouth, or you could have a puckery surprise!

Grown as an ornamental for its attractive pink flower clusters, its gracefully spreading branches, and its delicate leaves, this native of Asia is easily propagated and grows rapidly—unfortunately, it has become established as a weedy, invasive exotic in much of the state.

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